BA, Fiji - Auckland City FC return to the biggest stage in Oceania club football, chasing a record‑extending 14th continental crown and a remarkable fifth consecutive title when they face Solomon Islands champions Central Coast FC in Ba.
21 August 2026
The Navy Blues arrive with a perfect record after a clean sweep of the group stage and a commanding 3–1 semi‑final win over Rewa, setting the stage for a shot at a record‑extending 14th continental crown and a remarkable fifth consecutive title.
Captain Mario Ilich called the semi‑final “a full 90‑minute performance” and stressed the importance of starting well, the skipper also reflected on the journey: “We’ve shown consistency all tournament — every game has been a test, and we’ve answered it. The semi‑final was a full 90‑minute performance, and now it’s about producing that again in the biggest match of all.”
Meanwhile Rudy Mozr emphasised the mindset as Auckland City seek to continue their dominance at the pinnacle of Oceania football: “It’s more privilege than pressure. This club’s history gives us responsibility, but also belief. We respect Central Coast — they’re energetic, dangerous — but we trust our preparation and our identity. We want to finish the job.”
Their opponents, Central Coast FC, arrive with momentum of their own after edging Galaxy FC in extra time. The two sides already met in the group stage, where City prevailed 2–1, but both Ilich and Mozr acknowledged the quality of the Solomon Islands champions, praising their energy and attacking talent.
For Auckland City, the mission is clear: one more performance, one more victory, and the chance to cement their dominance in Oceania with a 14th title and fifth in a row.
MATCH DETAILS
OFC Champions League 2026 – FINAL
Auckland City FC vs Central Coast FC (SOL)
Saturday 22 August 2026
Kick‑off: 3:00 PM
Govind Park, Ba FIJI
Support will be strong both in Fiji and back home at Kiwitea Street, where the final will be streamed live at the clubrooms. “We know the Kiwitea fans will be pumping,” said Ilich. “It’s about us, our performance, and our desire to lift the trophy again.”
Ends
OCL SQUAD: 1. Cam BROWN (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON 6. Nikko BOXALL 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Shan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO 17. Ryan WATSON 19. Rhys DAVIES 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 20. Pavel OSMANčIK 21. Bono KACUROV 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER, 26. Matt ELLIS 27. Tom GOLDING 30 Ari PRASAD
HEAD COACH: Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
